Medical persons out there?

Question

Using the numeric system[1-9], what would be the proper level of homocysteine levels in one's body? Would 10.15 be life threatning or would it be much higher? I'm trying to get an idea of what the proper levels of homocysteine would be so persons like myself can improve their health.

Answer 1

Homocysteine is an amino acid produced in the human body by the chemical conversion of methionine, a compound regularly consumed within the diet. When methionine-rich foods such as fish are eaten, the methionine is taken into the bloodstream and into cells where a methyl group (one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) is removed to produce homocysteine.
If the body then adds a different methyl group it produces a chemical called S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), which is a useful natural antidepressant, fights against arthritis and is excellent at lowering homocysteine levels.



As levels of SAMe increase, another vital chemical is produced from homocysteine called glutathione. This is the body's best anti-ageing agent and also works as a detoxifier. A low glutathione level has been linked to an increased risk of death from all common causes.

Homocysteine is measured in micromoles per litre of blood (µmol/L). Worldwide homocysteine levels are high – geography cannot protect you from the potential risks homocysteine poses to health!

The lower the homocysteine the better the odds

There is really no healthy level for homocysteine but generally the lower, the better. A 'safe zone' is normally considered to be below 9µmol/L.

Starting from the top:

Above 14 - you are at major risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke and the risk from Alzheimer’s disease increases by over 150%.


Below 9 - Mothers who consistently give birth to healthy, normal babies tend to have homocysteine levels below 9. Furthermore, patients who have had coronary angioplasty treatment suffer from significantly fewer new arterial blockages and cardiovascular disease later in life.

so to answer your question....
The key to a long healthy life - keep the homocysteine level down and the glutathione level up.

Answer 2

Elevated levels of homocysteine (>10 micromoles/liter) in the blood are associated with atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) as well as an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and possibly Alzheimer's disease. Discuss this with your doctor as he/she would be doing the monitoring.